Statement from the Ohio Environmental Council on Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area Dedication

Columbus, Ohio — The following statement may be attributed in full, or in part, to Ricardo Granados, Public Lands Coordinator for the Ohio Environmental Council:

“The AEP ReCreation Land has been part of Ohio’s outdoor heritage for decades. It has provided recreational opportunities for millions of people, and will continue that legacy, at least in part, through the Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area.

“The Ohio Environmental Council thanks Governor John Kasich and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for securing part of this land for continued public use. The 13,000 acres that Governor Kasich and ODNR have committed to purchasing is a good first step to ensure that outdoor recreation remains accessible to Ohioans, but there is more to be done. Ohioans could lose access to the remaining 47,000 acres if ODNR does not find a way to purchase the rest of the land.

“Ohio ranks near last when compared to other states in its public land per capita. Full acquisition of the AEP ReCreation Land would put us in a much better position to ensure that Ohioans can recreate outdoors, enjoying the natural world in our backyard for generations to come. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Kasich and ODNR to achieve this goal.”